Form I-90 Processing Time

What Happens After Filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

Knowing that your green card has expired (or worse yet it was lost/stolen) can be an unsettling feeling. You’re probably anxious to know what happens after filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and the I-90 processing time to receive your new green card.

Although the steps that take place are fairly consistent, the Form I-90 processing time will vary based on the USCIS case load and your ability to properly file an accurately prepared green card renewal/replacement application package. The following outline describes the basic steps of the I-90 time line for most people.

Form I-90 processing time line, what happens after filing for green card renewal

Receipt of Application

APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 5 WEEKS AFTER FILING

If you properly file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, USCIS will initially respond by mailing you a receipt notice that confirms receipt of your application. Formally known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action (see example below), the receipt notice typically arrives 3 to 5 weeks after filing. If you did not properly file your Form I-90, USCIS will send a Notice of Action to reject the application or may send a Request for Evidence that requests additional items. Either will significantly delay your request. Thus, it is vital to prepare the green card renewal/replacement application package correctly and submit all required supporting documents.

I-797c receipt notice during I-90 time line

Beginning in January 2021, the receipt letter will also serve to extend the validity of your green card. Provided that your card is not yet expired or has been expired less than one year, the letter will provide an extension. The receipt letter must be printed on secure paper and say, "This notice provides evidence of your lawful permanent resident status for 12 months from the expiration date on your Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card)." Present the letter along with with your expired permanent resident card as evidence of your permanent resident status and employment authorization. If your card was already expired for more than 12 months or you’ve lost your card, you may request an I-551 stamp.

Tip: Save this important letter. It contains your 10-digit receipt number. You can use this receipt number to check your case status. If you didn’t receive a Notice of Action, you can make a case inquiry.

Nearly 9% of Form I-90 applications are rejected, and thousands more are denied. A poorly prepared application can also delay the approval process and even create significant immigration problems. When you prepare your I-90 on CitizenPath, we provide simple, step-by-step instructions and alerts to help you avoid costly delays. We even guarantee USCIS will approve your application. No credit card is required to try it.

approval guarantee for I-90 citizenship application

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Appointment Notice for Biometrics

APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 5 WEEKS AFTER FILING

Next, you will receive an appointment notice that assigns your biometrics appointment date, time and location. (The location will generally be the USCIS Application Support Center nearest you.) USCIS requires applicants to be fingerprinted for the purpose of conducting a security clearance and criminal background check. Don’t be alarmed — All applicants must have background checks.

Tip: Generally it’s best to show up only on your scheduled appointment date and time. But if you need to travel abroad before a scheduled USCIS biometrics appointment (or before the appointment has been scheduled), it may be possible to attend your biometric screening early. Learn more in our biometrics appointment FAQs.

Biometrics Appointment

APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 8 WEEKS AFTER FILING

The biometrics appointment, also known as a biometrics screening, is generally a short appointment (approximately 30 minutes) so that USCIS can collect your fingerprints, photograph and signature. Your appointment notice will tell you what you need to take to the appointment. Expect to take some form of government-issued photo identification to enter the building. USCIS can accept ID documents such as:

Passport or national photo identification issued by your country
Driver’s license
Military photo identification
State-issued photo identification card

biometrics appointment during green card renewal timelineg time line

This is not an interview. The appointment’s purpose is to collect your biometrics information only. Try to attend the appointment as scheduled. Rescheduling the biometrics will affect the I-90 processing time. To learn more about the appointment, read USCIS biometrics appointment.

Tip: If you think you might have a criminal record (even a DUI), contact an immigration lawyer before going to a biometrics appointment. Some crimes will make you ineligible for immigration benefits. A lawyer can request a background check before USCIS does and deal with it as necessary.

Receive Your New Green Card

APPROXIMATELY 8 TO 10 MONTHS AFTER FILING

After completing the biometrics appointment, USCIS will process your application to replace/renew your green card. If your application is approved, your green card will be mailed to you. (Green cards are not mailed to non-U.S. addresses. If you are a permanent resident in commuter status, USCIS will deliver the new green card to the port of entry that you named in your application.) If your application is denied, USCIS will mail you a notice explaining the reasons for the green card renewal denial.

Tip: If you change your address, you must notify USCIS within 10 days of your relocation by filing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address. You also must call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to change the address with your pending I-90 application.

Form I-90 Processing Time Summary

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RENEW OR REPLACE A GREEN CARD?

After filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, your I-90 processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 10 months. This is an approximation. It may be shorter for some and longer for others. In rare cases, USCIS will make a request for additional information or even schedule an additional interview. Don’t forget — you can check your case status online with your receipt number. The USCIS website also lists normal processing times. If you believe that your case is outside the normal processing times, you can make a case inquiry.

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